If investing your time or money in higher education doesn’t sound that appealing to you, you can opt to get a high paying job without a degree. There are several career paths that value skills over education, and many of these career paths come with on-the-job training or offer paid training programs for candidates, good pay, and opportunities for growth and development. Generally, these jobs require hard skills which can be easily accessible through certificate programs, vocational training, a two-year degree program or apprenticeship.

Well, it’s no secret that although there is an increase in high school graduation rates, the number of candidates enrolling in higher education has been plummeting. So, what is the reason behind the decrease in college enrollment? One of the reasons is the fact that the cost of education is very high in some countries. Faced with costly tuition fees and potential debt, many people are seeking other opportunities outside of education. Granted, having an associate’s degree or BA means earning more on average. However, there are several other relatively high paying jobs without a degree to choose from.

Whatever your reason may be for wanting a high paying job without a degree, the majority of these jobs are found in certain industries, for instance:

• Healthcare industry
• Information technology (IT)
• Manufacturing

Below is a list of the top high paying jobs that don’t require a four-year college degree.

Best high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree

1. Air Traffic Controllers
Air traffic controllers are responsible for monitoring and directing the movement of flights within a specific air space, separating all inbound and outbound aircrafts while complying with the applicable rules, regulations and unit procedures.

Although the job doesn’t require a degree, candidates are expected to possess certifications in the relevant aviation courses or an associate’s degree. However, candidates with military experience as air traffic controllers don’t need additional training.

2. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
Transport, storage, and distribution managers are responsible for making sure clients’ goods are safely moved across the country and put in a secure storage facility when they are not being moved around. Generally, the job requires the use of technical know-how, coordination, and process that ensures deadlines are met with ease.

It is common for people in these roles to have reached there through ranks. However, a minimum of 5 years on the job experience in supply chain operations, logistics or transportation, and some basic knowledge in business administration comes in handy. Generally, the minimum education requirements for transportation, storage, and distribution manager roles is a high school diploma or equivalent.

3. Radiation therapists
Duties of radiation therapists include moving patients, dressing them in protective gear, operating the necessary machinery, administering radiation and monitoring patient’s reaction in the cancer treatment field. Typical education requirements include having an associate’s degree and a radiologic technologist certification.

4. Pharmacy technician
The duties and responsibilities of a pharmacy technician include dispensing medication to clients or health professionals. Typically, pharmacy technicians get on-the-job training. Hence a college degree is not required. Additionally, several vocational/ technical schools provide pharmacy technology programs and even offer certification.

5. Diagnostic medical sonographer
Sonographers or ultrasound technicians work under the guidelines of a physician to produce ultrasound images for patients. While a bachelor’s degree may be a prerequisite, candidates can opt to get an associate’s degree or a one-year certificate program.

6. Dental hygienist
Duties of a dental hygienist include taking x-rays, cleaning teeth and preparing for dental procedures for dentists. The minimum education requirement is an associate’s degree in dental hygiene.

7. Law enforcement
First-line supervisors of police and detectives
These include the high ranks such as sergeants, captains or commanders. Their duties include supervising the patrol police ranks, sometimes doing patrol duties, conducting training, coming up with new initiatives (such as counterterrorism), and maintaining the department’s discipline.

Generally, candidates can move up the ranks after having several years of experience as a patrol officer. Alternatively, candidates can climb through the ranks by passing an exam, getting relevant certifications or completing advanced police training. Courses in public administration, forensics and law may be required. The minimum education requirement for these roles is a high school diploma or equivalent.

Detectives and criminal investigators
Duties for these professions include searching for and collecting evidence, interrogating suspects and interviewing witnesses, victims or persons of interest, preparing cases and delivering to prosecutors.

Commonly, patrol officers are promoted to these professions. Typically, the minimum education requirements include a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, candidates may be required to complete a probationary period upon graduating from a police training academy, or several years of law enforcement experience including substantial exposure to criminal investigations, or an associate’s degree in criminal justice or investigations and forensics.

8. Information technology
Network and computer systems administrator
Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for installing and operating computer systems for organizations. While the majority of network and computer systems administration roles require a bachelor’s degree, some companies will hire candidates with strong computer skills and the relevant certification.

Computer security analyst
A computer analyst, also known as an information security analyst, is responsible for protecting a company’s computer networks and systems. Although the majority of organizations prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a master’s degree in information systems, some companies will hire candidates who have the right skills in programming, IT security, and computer science.

Database manager
A database manager or administrator is responsible for storing and organizing data using specialized software. Generally, s/he ensures that the data is secure and available to those who need to access it. Although it may be mandatory to have a BA or MA in management information systems to get into this career path, having strong knowledge of database languages such as SQL, My SQL and Oracle can help you get into the industry.

Computer support specialist
Computer support specialists offer assistance to people and companies that need help with their computer equipment and software. Generally, computer support specialists don’t require a college degree but having certification in computer, IT or an associate’s degree is fundamental.

Computer programmer
Computer programmers are responsible for creating, writing and testing code that ensures computer programs and applications run smoothly. Generally, they are required to know several computer languages such as Java and C++. Although many computer programmers have a bachelor’s degree, an associate’s degree or substantial experience in coding may be enough to join this profession for those who don’t have a degree. Additionally, several certification courses can help candidates get hired.

Website developers
Website developers’ duties and responsibilities include creating page layouts, website styling, and page features to enhance a visitor’s experience on a website. Education requirements vary depending on the company but range from having a high school degree to a bachelor’s degree.

9. Commercial pilots
Generally, commercial pilots are responsible for flying charter planes, cargo carriers, non-scheduled routes, evacuation, search and rescue, air tours and air medical services. The minimum education requirement for this role is a high school diploma or its equivalent. Although having a degree is not essential, people in this profession are required to have a commercial pilot certificate, and a license, or some military experience.

10. Elevator installers and repair technicians
The demand for elevator installers and repair technicians is sky high. The minimum education requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent. There are no formal degrees or certification courses to break into the business, but apprenticeship could help you get your foot through the door.

Now that you have a list of high paying jobs without a degree, it’s time to go through the job descriptions and determine if you possess the minimum requirements to get into these industries. However, similar to any job hunting activity, it’s important to be prepared beforehand and consider revamping your cover letter and resume. Additionally, even though these jobs are at your disposal, going back to school ensures you remain relevant to the job market, meaning an increased potential for a higher paycheck!

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